This time of year means so many things to different people. Traditions, gifts, family, travel, food, remembering the year behind, looking ahead to the next. The world around us changes pace, the rhythm quickens, people smile at strangers, hold doors, and sing carols. I enjoy this time of year, but for me it is not a religious celebration or a holiday of materialism. I anticipate time with family and friends, good attitudes, community spirit, generosity, and light-heartedness.

This year I won’t be having the big family celebration I’m used to. I’ve had a slower start, less momentum getting into the holiday spirit. Today though, christmas eve, I feel it. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and drive to pick up my sweetheart, who has worked hard for months to make sure to spend this week with me. I’m such a lucky girl. I can’t think of a better gift! After months of transitioning into a foreign environment, nothing could make me happier than spending the day with someone who already knows who I am and loves me. Exciting. Relieving. Relaxing. Wonderful.

I only have a few things left to do to be ready. Time to get crackin’!

You provide another opportunity for me to learn and grow every time we meet, and you are important to me. Thank you for being my friend. I hope that this christmas you feel happy and loved and full of light.

In the wise words of Rumi:

When you seek love with all your heart
You shall find its echoes all across the universe.

Be certain in the religion of Love
There are no believers or unbelievers.
Love embraces all.

The signs that the holiday season is in full force are all around. Streets are decked out with lights, displays in store windows, and holiday cheer hung on every lamppost and side of every bus. Christmas carols are playing in all the shops, there is mistletoe for sale at the farmers market, and all the festive sweaters are coming out.

I’ve got my christmas cards in the mail (late, sorry!), stockings hung, and starting to compile ingredients for christmas dinner. A friend from college is driving me to the airport to collect my gift on christmas morning. I’ve had festive music playing on iTunes for two weeks, and it’s starting to work, getting me in the holiday spirit.

I’m not doing many gifts this year, in part because I’m a student again, and watching my budget. Also in solidarity with the occupy movements happening all over, doing my part to keep my money local this year, supporting the farmers and artisans in my region, and contributing to community-spirit and love, rather than materialism and greed. I’m trying to come up with meaningful gestures, rather than expensive objects.

Seasons greetings to all of my readers wherever you are, whoever you’re with, and in whatever way you celebrate this year. Best wishes for a season full of love and laughter with the people who are most important to you, and all the best in 2012!

“The challenge is not just about the work, and the delivery of what the patient wants. It’s how far can I stay present and open and aware throughout the treatment, a practice of being present and being available.”

I’ve taken this quote from Sue Turner, an osteopath and alumni of the ESO who has an interview posted on http://1000yearsinterviews.com/sue_turner/turner.swf , a website I highly recommend for anyone in the field, interested becoming an osteopath, treating with an osteopath, or learning more about what it is and the philosophy behind it. In this interview Sue makes many references to heavyweights in the field, and parts of it get quite academic. But there are also parts that really resonate with my perspective of my role as a healthcare provider, the innate wisdom of the body, and some radical ways she visualizes her practice. Totally recommend this for my functional methods classmates, if you’re reading! :)

This article gives a general overview of my school, the European School of Osteopathy, as published in The Independent earlier this year. The photograph shows the administration building, which also houses the cafeteria, board room, library, and a classroom.

I took this photo of the school grounds on my way in just a couple of days ago. The red and white buildings straight ahead and to the right are all classrooms, offices, and student center. Lovely the way the light hits in the morning. I’m happy to spend so much time in such a beautiful place.

Went to the Saturday flea market today, found more dishes to match the ones I bought there a couple of weeks ago… from the same lady! Guess she was holding out on me. Also makes me wonder if I’ll ever find the dinner plates to go with my bowls and saucers.
I did find some dinner plates, not matching the rest, but cute and affordable, £1 for 6. Okay for now. Kinda 70’s chic.
I went to my favorite Russian patisserie vendor for bread, but as it was already late they were out of whole wheat and everything else. So I got a treat instead.

I also found a knife-sharpening steel, citrus juicer, knitting needle set in a roll up pouch, Being A Photographer book, fresh pears, and free range eggs.

Also this week, my bathroom cabinet arrived. It is now assembled and moved into the shower room, replacing the shoe box to hold toiletries.

Organic coffee and quinoa delivery came yesterday from my new favorite online sustainable grocer, Abel & Cole. Now just waiting for Amazon to get me my Bialetti! :)